Heating a room in the UK isn’t just about staying warm — it’s about not wasting money every hour the heater is on.
Some electric heaters cost over 50p per hour, while others can run for less than 15p per hour — and the difference comes down to the type of heater you choose.
In this guide, you’ll see:
- which electric heaters are cheapest to run
- real running costs in the UK
- and which models actually save money
👉 If you’re trying to reduce your energy bills, this is where it starts.
QUICK ANSWER (FEATURED SNIPPET)
The cheapest electric heaters to run in the UK are typically:
- Oil-filled radiators → best for long use
- Low wattage heaters (500W–1000W) → lowest hourly cost
- Infrared heaters → efficient for direct heat
Quick Picks (Most People Should Buy This)
- Best overall (most homes): 1500W ceramic heater → fast heat + balanced cost
- Cheapest to run per hour: 500W low watt heater → from ~£0.14/hour
- Best for long use: oil-filled radiator → retains heat, lower real-world cost
- Best for spot heating: infrared heater → efficient if you’re in one area
👉 For detailed comparisons and real costs, see heater running cost UK
👉 Average running cost (UK electricity rate ~£0.28/kWh):
- 500W → ~£0.14/hour
- 1000W → ~£0.28/hour
- 2000W → ~£0.56/hour
👉 For full breakdowns, see our guide on heater running cost UK.
| Heater Type | Power | Cost/hour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Radiator | 1500W | ~£0.42 | Long sessions |
| Ceramic Heater | 1500W | ~£0.42 | Quick heating |
| Fan Heater | 2000W | ~£0.56 | Short bursts |
| Infrared Heater | 800W | ~£0.22 | Direct heat |
| Low Watt Heater | 500W | ~£0.14 | Small rooms |
Real Usage Test (UK Scenario)
We simulated a typical UK usage pattern (4 hours/day, 30 days) using an average electricity rate of £0.28/kWh:
| Heater Type | Monthly Cost | Real Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 500W Heater | ~£16.80 | Cheapest, but slower heating |
| Oil Radiator (1500W) | ~£50.40 | Higher cost, but retains heat → fewer cycles |
| Fan Heater (2000W) | ~£67.20 | Most expensive if used continuously |
Key insight: the cheapest heater isn’t always the lowest watt — it’s the one you can run efficiently for your usage.
👉 Learn more in cheapest way to heat a room UK
WHICH HEATER IS ACTUALLY CHEAPEST?
1. Low-Wattage Heaters (Cheapest per hour)
- Lowest electricity usage
- Ideal for small rooms
- Slower heating
👉 Best choice if your goal is minimum cost per hour
2. Oil-Filled Radiators (Best balance)
- Retain heat longer
- More efficient over time
- Ideal for bedrooms/living rooms
👉 Compare with other types in electric heater vs oil radiator cost UK
3. Infrared Heaters (Most efficient for direct heat)
- Heat people, not the air
- Lower wattage
- Very efficient in targeted use
BEST CHEAP ELECTRIC HEATERS (UK PICKS)
👉 (estructura tipo Wirecutter — aquí luego insertas productos reales)
Best Cheap Electric Heaters (UK Picks)
1500W Ceramic Heater
Best for: daily use in small–medium rooms
Why we recommend it: fast heating with balanced running cost — ideal for most UK homes.
- Power: 1500W
- Estimated cost: ~£0.42/hour
- Good efficiency + fast warm-up
500W Low Watt Heater
Best for: small rooms, desks, bedrooms
Why we recommend it: lowest cost per hour — ideal if your goal is saving money.
- Power: 500W
- Estimated cost: ~£0.14/hour
- Very low consumption
Oil-Filled Radiator
Best for: living rooms, overnight heating
Why we recommend it: retains heat, meaning fewer heating cycles and better real efficiency.
- Power: 1000–1500W
- Stable, consistent heat
- Lower long-term usage
👉 Full comparison: best energy-efficient heaters UK
Best Overall – Energy Efficient
- Balanced cost + performance
- Suitable for daily use
👉 Check on Amazon UK
Best Low-Cost Option
- Low wattage
- Ideal for small spaces
Best for Large Rooms
- Oil radiator
- Long-lasting heat
👉 For full reviews, see best energy-efficient heaters UK
WHAT ACTUALLY AFFECTS RUNNING COST?
1. Wattage
Higher watt = higher cost
2. Usage time
Running a heater for 5 hours matters more than its power
3. Insulation
A poorly insulated room wastes heat fast
👉 Learn how to fix this in cheapest way to heat a room UK
4. Room size
Using a 2000W heater in a small room = waste
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Switching to a cheaper heater can make a real difference to your bills:
- Using a 2000W heater daily → ~£67/month
- Using a 500W heater instead → ~£16/month
👉 Potential saving: £50/month (£600/year)
Most UK households overpay simply by using the wrong type of heater.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE CHEAPEST HEATER FOR YOU
👉 Use this simple rule:
- Small room → low-wattage heater
- Medium room → oil radiator
- Spot heating → infrared heater
COMMON MISTAKES
- Using high-power heaters all day
- Not insulating the room
- Buying based on price, not running cost
FAQ (SEO GOLD)
Are electric heaters expensive to run in the UK?
It depends on wattage and usage. A 2000W heater can cost over £0.50/hour.
What is the cheapest heater to run?
Low-wattage heaters and oil radiators are usually the cheapest overall.
Do oil radiators use a lot of electricity?
They use similar power but retain heat better, making them more efficient over time.
Is it cheaper to leave a heater on all day?
No – controlled usage is almost always cheaper.
FINAL CTA
Most people waste £100–£300 per year by choosing the wrong heater.
👉 See the best energy-efficient heaters in the UK before you buy
🏆 Best Cheap Electric Heaters (UK Picks)
1500W Ceramic Heater
Best for: daily use in small–medium rooms
Why we recommend it: fast heating with balanced running cost — ideal for most UK homes.
- Power: 1500W
- Estimated cost: ~£0.42/hour
- Good efficiency + fast warm-up
500W Low Watt Heater
Best for: small rooms, desks, bedrooms
Why we recommend it: lowest cost per hour — ideal if your goal is saving money.
- Power: 500W
- Estimated cost: ~£0.14/hour
- Very low consumption
Oil-Filled Radiator
Best for: living rooms, overnight heating
Why we recommend it: retains heat, meaning fewer heating cycles and better real efficiency.
- Power: 1000–1500W
- Stable, consistent heat
- Lower long-term usage
👉 Full comparison: best energy-efficient heaters UK